Time is running out for Belconnen United as they face the unthinkable. The prospect of relegation looms large over those connected to the McKellar Park powerhouse and the visit of Tigers FC in the penultimate round of the National Premier League could prove to be watershed mark in the club’s history.

Simply put, the Blue Devils are staring down the barrel. If they fail to claim anything from this match, and West Canberra Wanderers upset the applecart for the second week in succession, Belconnen will be demoted into the Capital Premier League.

Where there is light there is hope however, and the gritty performance with ten-men in holding the League Champions, Canberra Croatia, to a 1-1 draw in their last outing, also at this venue, will breathe life into the squad and prove to all that they have the requisite ability to claw themselves to safety.

Standing in their way are a Tigers FC side who could turn out to be the enigma of 2022. A win and the Tigers are still in top four contention, a loss and they’d head into the final round of the season as one of a trio of clubs who’s NPL future would be hanging by a thread. It’s an inconceivable thought.

Both clubs have a storied past and have played in some major matches in their history. It may well be though that this one trumps all others. It’s got angst writ over it large. This will not be for the faint-hearted.

West Canberra Wanderers, fresh of deposing Monaro Panthers of second place in the NPL League table will be out to repeat the feat as they welcome Gungahlin United to Melrose Synthetic in a vital match for their survival prospects.

A sensational late winner from Jenno Ceruti at the Riverside Stadium put the Wanderers in the box seat as far as finishing off the bottom of the pile was concerned and there is the potential that they could make themselves safe if they win against the high-flying Gunners and the Blue Devils lose to Tigers.

To do so will require digging deep into the reservoirs of energy and character that has epitomised them at their most belligerent in 2022. A repeat of the defensive nous and tactical prowess that saw them to victory last weekend will go some way to shaping this result, and potentially, their future.

Gunners will be in no mood to play congenial visitors, however. Having blasted aside O’Connor Knights, putting a dent in the Knights top-four hopes in the process, Gungahlin appear to be finding their stride as the pointy end of the season loomed into view. Finals football, in this form, could see them in real contention.

Normally, the Croatian derby would take centre stage and be top of the bill, but due to the magnitude of the relegations scrap, the escapades of O’Connor Knights and Canberra Croatia may, for once, be overshadowed by events elsewhere.

That doesn’t mean that this won’t be another blood and thunder epic of course as both teams are vying for pride, and in the case of the hosts the Knights, a place in the top four and finals football which is very much still within their reach.

Knights are yet to beat the League Champions since their return to the top-flight, Croatia have come out on top in both of their league meetings this term, but it will be intriguing to see how Dean Ugrinic and his team approach this fixture. There’s no need for them to risk certain players should they not wish to as their work, for the time being, is done.

But this is the derby. And gaining the points that might effectively put paid to their rivals making it into the top four might be all the motivation that the visiting side needs. If nothing else, they won’t want to lose what could be the last derby of the season and leave bragging rights at O’Connor for the close season.

Canberra Olympic make the journey to Queanbeyan and the Riverside Stadium to face Monaro Panthers on Saturday evening to round our Round 20 knowing that their fate, a place in the top four, is very much in their own hands with two rounds of the competition remaining.

Olympic have been close to success on both previous visits to their opponents home, losing the Australia Cup Semi-Final on a penalty shoot-out, and falling to a 1-2 defeat in the league courtesy of a late penalty on their last trip over the border.

A fighting 2-2 draw against the Tigers showed both sides of Olympic in 2022, a fast free-flowing attack capable of spectacular goals, alongside the unfortunate habit of going off the boil at critical times and allowing their opponents back into matches. Still, they sit fourth and have a two-point cushion, so their destiny is in their own hands.

Monaro seemed decidedly flat in their late loss to West Canberra Wanderers in Round 19. Unbale to find the spark and joie-de-vivre that usually shines through their spine. Rediscovering that will be paramount for Frank Cachia and his group ahead of Finals. A win here and they might regain second if results elsewhere go their way.

FIXTURES

ROUND 20

Saturday 3 September

West Canberra Wanderers v Gungahlin United (Melrose Synthetic, 14:15)

Belconnen United v Tigers FC (McKellar Park, 15:00)

O’Connor Knights v Canberra Croatia (O’Connor Enclosed, 15:00)

Monaro Panthers v Canberra Olympic (Riverside Stadium 17:45)

TABLE

		P	W	D	L	GD	PTS
1	Canberra Croatia (c)	19	13	5	1	+36	41*
2	Gungahlin United	19	10	4	5	+14	34
3	Monaro Panthers	19	8	8	3	+16	32
4	Canberra Olympic	19	6	5	8	-10	23
5	O’Connor Knights	19	6	3	10	-13	21
6	Tigers FC	19	6	10	6	-12	19
7	West Canberra Wanderers	19	4	5	10	-10	17
8	Belconnen United	19	4	4	11	-21	16

 

*Canberra Croatia deducted three points